Jesse Martinez has been taking the fast way down the hills in Los Angeles for a while now and this latest documentation angle is mesmerizing and completely “balls to the wall” at the same time. If you think this is easy, it’s only because Jesse makes it look that way. Filmed by Jesse Martinez

I am writing this on behalf of our friend Jesse Martinez with the V.S.A. He is the one who has been cleaning and maintaining the Venice Skatepark for the past 5 1/2 years, along with the help of a few other loyal friends.

About six months ago, the City of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation decided to make some cuts, and killed their deal with the V.S.A. They offered Jesse a job as a city employee to clean the park. He filled out an application about 4 months ago and since then, the City has just left him hanging. In the meantime he has been cleaning the park without any financial backing. He does get some donations, but usually its just enough to get things going.

A few weeks ago the truck that Jesse uses to clean and maintain the park was stolen. Since then he has been using his family car to take care of the park. He gets up at 3:00 am in the morning to come down to Venice and clean the park so he can get back to downtown L.A. by 7:15 am, so that he can take his kids to school. The police recently recovered the truck, but it is not salvageable.

On May 19, 2015, the Venice community stepped up and got together with “Worlds Best Graffiti Removing Supply” and donated all the supplies to clean the park. We also want to thank Elroy’s Pressure Washing Co. for donating their time. It was a great turnout! There were at least 20 volunteers that showed up and the park looks brand new! We are hoping that the City will eventually come through with a paying job for Jesse. Until then, he will continue to take care of the park with all of our help.

It’s time that the community steps up and helps out. If you are from Venice and care about this place, or if you are new to Venice, you should know that this skate park is an important part of our culture and lifestyle. We need a clean, safe place where we can send our kids to go skate. This money will help Jesse get a new vehicle, as well as maintaining the equipment and the constant demand for cleaning supplies.

The Venice Skatepark is important! It keeps our younger generations out of trouble and gives them a healthy positive outlet to focus their energy on. It teaches them that with focus, determination, and perseverance, they can accomplish anything! Let’s provide them with a clean place where they can go. Lets lead them, and teach them by example. Please step up and help Jesse Martinez and the Venice Skate park.The time is NOW!